It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Geri Thomas, who passed away peacefully in hospital on Wednesday 9th April. Geri dedicated his life to education, youth development, and community enrichment. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership, friendship and love.

Geri was a family man. He was married to his dear wife Sheila for 60 years.  Together they raised two daughters, Susan and Karen. The losses of Karen to cancer in 2013 and Sheila in 2020 were a profound sorrow, borne with great strength and dignity. Geri's love for his family was unwavering and clear to all who knew him.

Born into farming but growing up with a passion for physical education and youth development, Geri earned his Diploma from the prestigious Loughborough College of Physical Education in the 1950s. His commitment to sport education led him straight to Nottingham High School (NHS) in 1958, where he would go on to shape generations of students and the very fabric of the School itself.

Geri served NHS in a range of leadership roles. Employed first as teacher of Physical Training alongside HV White under KR Imeson, he went on to become the School’s very first Chief Games Master in 1975.  As 1st XV rugby coach, Careers Advisor, Form Tutor and House Tutor for both White’s and then Mellers’ Houses, he was a guiding presence in the lives of countless pupils. He launched the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at the school in 1969, encouraging countless students to challenge themselves and engage in community service and adventure.

After a brief departure in 1977 to serve as Sales and Marketing Director in the private sector, including international work in Iran, Geri returned to Nottingham High School in 1983 under Dr Witcombe. His second tenure spanned nearly two decades, during which he served as Director of Marketing and Development and a key member of the Senior Management Team.

Geri’s vision for the School’s future reshaped its physical and cultural landscape. He oversaw the planning, funding and project management of major developments including the Sports Hall (1989), Design and Technology building (1992), The Carol Djanogly Music School (1997), and significant refurbishments of key facilities such as the swimming pool, Language Centre, and Preparatory School. These projects were not just enhancements to the School but became assets to the broader Nottinghamshire community, regularly hosting local schools, competitions, art and music workshops, and youth programmes.

One of his proudest achievements was the design and completion of the state-of-the-art Sports Hall, a facility of national standard opened in 1989 by Lord Hunt, the first Director of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and leader of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. Geri’s foresight and tenacity secured funding, overcame doubts, and delivered a world-class space for generations to enjoy.

A respected colleague, inspirational teacher, wise mentor, and in retirement an ambassador, Geri remained a steadfast supporter of Nottingham High School throughout his life. He regularly attended reunions and was known for his fantastic memory giving us knowledgeable and passionate guided tours for Old Nottinghamians always sharing stories of the School's evolution with a quiet pride.

Geri will be remembered for his vision, integrity, and enduring impact on the lives of so many. His contributions live on in the students he inspired, the buildings he helped create, and the community he enriched.

He leaves behind his daughter Susan and her husband, Phil their children Jacob and Joshua and Karen’s daughter  Jada, extended family, and a wide circle of former colleagues, students, and friends who mourn his loss and celebrate his remarkable life.

"To teach is to touch a life forever" — and Geri Thomas taught thousands.
 

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In the days preceding his passing, Steve Banks, Chair of Governors, wrote to Geri to inform him of the School’s decision to name the Sports Hall in his honour—a fitting tribute at a deeply poignant time.

Lauda Finem

“Nottingham High School has always and still is an important part of my life and it continues to be such a pleasure to have continued contact with so many ONs worldwide and having the opportunity of taking them on a tour of the School. Also, of importance to me are the close relationships with so many former colleagues and the Nottingham High school community at large.”

Geri Thomas – December 2022

To see Geri in full flow, sharing his stories, memories, insights and his and love for the school and life .... watch Geri as he sat down with Mark Shardlow (ON 1973-1980) in 2024 as he reflects on his time at the School – In ConversatiON with Geri Thomas.